Expert: Liverpool make Ibrahima Konate transfer plan after contract latest

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(Credit: Imago) Mon 10 November 2025 15:22, UK Ibrahima Konate has been the subject of ongoing speculation over his long-term future at Liverpool despite his regular role in the starting XI.The France international started as Arne Slot’s side lost 3-0 to Man City last time out, and has been a mainstay in the starting XI despite his inconsistent displays.However, Liverpool fans destroyed Konate after the Man City game, with large sections of the fanbase now calling for him to move on at the end of his deal.The centre-back’s contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, with interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid leading to speculation.Football Insider revealed on 5 October that Liverpool are still in talks with Konate over a new deal, but the lack of progress has led to concerns about his future.Credit: ImagoIbrahima Konate expected to leave LiverpoolFootball Insider exclusively revealed on 26 October that Konate has turned down Liverpool’s contract offer and is now likely to leave the club next summer.As a result, the Reds are preparing to lose the defender and are already putting plans in place to land his replacement either in January or at the end of the season. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool are not concerned about losing Konate and believed they can upgrade on him.“Liverpool are looking at who they could get to replace Konate,” he told Football Insider.“They’re confident they can upgrade on him, because they’ve had concerns about him for a while and they were on show again in that game against Man City.“There was a definite ploy by City to make Liverpool play to Konate and let him have the ball.“Then they would press, because he’s liable to make a mistake, and that’s all you need to know about how he is viewed in that Liverpool team.“So from their perspective, there are players out there who they can bring in to upgrade on him, so I don’t think they’re worried about whether he might leave.Credit: Imago“Whether it’s Real Madrid or Bayern Munich or any team in Europe, if he’s not signing a contract, they’ll be preparing for a future without him.“I think they’re prepared to let that happen, and then it’s just about who they can get in.”Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 6 November that Liverpool fear Konate will join Real Madrid, with a belief that a pre-contract deal is now likely to be agreed.Liverpool assessing centre-back targetsThe main area of concern for Slot is in defence, where Virgil van Dijk and Konate have struggled to impress this season despite their usual reliability.As a result, Football Insider revealed Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back in January, as they aim to bolster their squad as well as covering for Konate’s departure.Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top target, while they are also considering a number of options including Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa as they weigh up multiple targets.Credit: ImagoHowever, Football Insider revealed on 27 October that Aston Villa will not sell Konsa under any circumstances in the January transfer window.Unai Emery is determined to keep his best players at Villa Park after a frustrating summer transfer window, and will aim to deter any interest in his stars.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.